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TEXclusive

Vice took a screenshot of Rep. Lamar Smith's website from July 24, 2011 to show the copyrighted background image (Vice screenshot)

Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio got schooled at his own game while Congress is at recess.

Smith, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, may have underestimated the trolling habits of Internet techies scorned by his Stop Online Piracy Act. Though the proposed bill drafted by Smith sets out to curb copyright infringement, many online users and companies fear it will inhibit their right to share content.

Internet watchdogs decided to comb through Smith’s own websites to see if he committed the same copyright crimes he championed against.

The verdict?

Vice found that Smith’s official campaign website featured a background photo of a lush forest scene–without a photo credit. After a quick search, they found the image belonged to DJ Schulte, a photographer who captured the scene in Bear Creek, Texas. Vice went on to contact Schulte who had this to say:

“I do not see anywhere on the screen capture that you have provided that the image was attributed to the source (me). So my conclusion would be that Lamar Smith’s organization did improperly use my image. So according to the SOPA bill, should it pass, maybe I could petition the court to take action against www.texansforlamarsmith.com.”

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Texas Watch

TxPotomac lets you know what stories to look out for later this week.

Today:

★ The Republican presidential candidate field moves on to South Carolina.

★ Wednesday, Jan. 18. House Energy and Commerce Committee holds a markup of the Energy and Revenue Enrichment Act of 2011.

★ Saturday, Jan. 21. Rick Perry puts it all on the line in South Carolina’s primary.

★ Tuesday, Jan. 24. President Obama is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill. Texas on the Potomac will have extensive coverage and instant reaction from our congressional delegation.

★ Tuesday, Jan. 31. How many Texans will still be in the race when Florida Republicans vote in their presidential primary?

Today in Texas History

On this date in 1906, future country music legend Tex Ritter was born. more>>>